Excel CONVERT Function
last modified April 4, 2025
The CONVERT function is a powerful measurement conversion tool in
Excel. It converts a number from one measurement system to another. This
tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to using the CONVERT
function with detailed examples. You'll learn basic syntax, supported units,
and practical applications.
CONVERT Function Basics
The CONVERT function changes measurements between different unit
systems. It supports distance, weight, time, pressure, force, energy, power,
magnetism, temperature, and volume. The syntax requires three arguments.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Function Name | CONVERT |
| Syntax | =CONVERT(number, from_unit, to_unit) |
| Arguments | Number to convert, original unit, target unit |
| Return Value | Converted measurement in new units |
This table breaks down the essential components of the CONVERT
function. The function requires a numeric value and two unit codes as text
strings. Excel supports over 100 different unit conversions.
Basic CONVERT Example
This example demonstrates converting inches to centimeters using the CONVERT function.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 10 | |
| =CONVERT(A1, "in", "cm") |
The table shows a length in inches in cell A1 and the conversion formula in B2 that converts it to centimeters. The result will be 25.4 cm.
=CONVERT(10, "in", "cm")
This formula converts 10 inches to centimeters. The result will be 25.4 cm. Note that unit codes must be enclosed in quotation marks and are case-sensitive.
Temperature Conversion
Temperature conversion requires special handling as it involves different measurement scales. This example converts Celsius to Fahrenheit.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 100 | |
| =CONVERT(A1, "C", "F") |
The table shows a temperature value in Celsius in cell A1 and the conversion formula in B2 that converts it to Fahrenheit. The result will be 212°F.
=CONVERT(A1, "C", "F")
This formula converts the Celsius value in A1 to Fahrenheit. Temperature conversions use "C" for Celsius, "F" for Fahrenheit, and "K" for Kelvin. Unlike other units, temperature scales have different zero points.
Weight Conversion
This example demonstrates converting pounds to kilograms, a common weight conversion needed in many applications.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 150 | |
| =CONVERT(A1, "lbm", "kg") |
The table shows a weight in pounds (lbm stands for pound-mass) in cell A1 and the conversion to kilograms in B2. The result will be approximately 68.0389 kg.
=CONVERT(A1, "lbm", "kg")
This formula converts pounds (lbm) to kilograms (kg). Other weight units include "g" for gram, "ozm" for ounce, and "stone" for stone. Always verify you're using the correct unit code.
Volume Conversion
Volume conversion is useful in cooking, chemistry, and other fields. This example converts gallons to liters.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 5 | |
| =CONVERT(A1, "gal", "l") |
The table demonstrates converting 5 gallons to liters. The result will be approximately 18.9271 liters. Volume conversions are particularly useful in international recipes or scientific work.
=CONVERT(A1, "gal", "l")
This formula converts gallons (gal) to liters (l). Other volume units include "pt" for pint, "qt" for quart, "cup" for cup, and "tsp" for teaspoon. Note that "l" stands for liter, not to be confused with "L" which isn't a valid code.
Energy Conversion
Energy conversion is important in physics and engineering. This example converts joules to calories.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 1000 | |
| =CONVERT(A1, "J", "cal") |
The table shows 1000 joules being converted to calories. The result will be approximately 239.006 calories. Energy conversions are essential in nutrition labeling and mechanical engineering.
=CONVERT(A1, "J", "cal")
This formula converts joules (J) to calories (cal). Other energy units include "eV" for electron volt, "Wh" for watt-hour, and "BTU" for British thermal unit. Always check you're using the correct unit code for your specific needs.
Common Errors
The CONVERT function returns errors when unit codes are incorrect or incompatible. This example shows common mistakes and their solutions.
| Formula | Error | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| =CONVERT(10, "inch", "cm") | #N/A | Use "in" not "inch" |
| =CONVERT(10, "kg", "m") | #N/A | Incompatible units |
| =CONVERT("ten", "lb", "kg") | #VALUE! | First argument must be numeric |
This table lists common CONVERT function errors and their causes. The most frequent issues involve incorrect unit codes or trying to convert between incompatible measurement types.
Supported Unit Categories
The CONVERT function supports conversions in these major categories. Each has specific unit codes that must be used exactly as defined.
| Category | Example Units |
|---|---|
| Weight and Mass | "g", "kg", "lbm", "ozm" |
| Distance | "m", "mi", "in", "ft", "yd" |
| Time | "yr", "day", "hr", "mn", "sec" |
| Pressure | "Pa", "atm", "mmHg" |
| Force | "N", "dyn", "lbf" |
| Energy | "J", "eV", "cal", "BTU" |
| Power | "W", "hp", "PS" |
| Magnetism | "T", "ga" |
| Temperature | "C", "F", "K" |
| Volume | "tsp", "cup", "gal", "l", "m3" |
This comprehensive table shows the measurement categories supported by CONVERT with example unit codes. For a complete list, consult Excel's official documentation or use Excel's formula autocomplete feature.
The CONVERT function is an essential tool for anyone working with
multiple measurement systems in Excel. From simple distance conversions to
complex engineering calculations, it provides accurate results quickly.
Remember to verify unit codes and test conversions with known values to ensure
accuracy in your spreadsheets.
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